Marijuana in Fairbanks

Get to know Alaska marijuana laws for responsible recreational use.

As of November 4, 2014, it is legal in Alaska for adults over 21 to purchase marijuana for recreational use. There are operational retail marijuana stores within the Fairbanks North Star Borough, including the City of Fairbanks but excluding the City of North Pole. Here are some basic rules for responsible recreational consumption:

This overview will let you know what is legal in Alaska for personal-use marijuana. However, cities and communities are allowed to pass stricter laws. Be sure to review local laws in case the rules differ from what you read here. View the State's website about responsible marijuana consumption.

In short:

Only licensed establishments may sell retail marijuana products

It is illegal to drive high (it's a DUI)

It is illegal to consume marijuana in public

Other important FAQs:

How old do I have to be to consume marijuana?
You must be 21 years old to use marijuana products. It is illegal to give marijuana to minors.

Can I smoke or consume pot while in the park with my friends?
Not in Alaska. Again, the law bans all public use of any marijuana, not just smoking. This means it is illegal to use marijuana in schools, amusement venues, businesses, parks, playgrounds, sidewalks, or roads, just to name a few. And since marijuana is still illegal federally, you cannot use it on federal land -- not in national parks and national forests.

So where can I use marijuana?
Private property is your best bet, though some property owners or homeowners associations may have policies that prohibit marijuana use. Check your local laws and with hotel owners and landlords prior to consuming marijuana. When using marijuana in your home, keep in mind that secondhand smoke, whether from tobacco or marijuana, can be dangerous. Make your home smoke-free to limit your loved ones’ exposure to secondhand smoke.

Can I use marijuana while I am cruising around town?
No. You cannot use marijuana while operating any motorized vehicle, including cars, snowmachines, boats, ATVs, airplanes – basically anything with a motor. You can also get a DUI while operating an aircraft or watercraft, whether motorized or not. (AS 28.35.030)

Can I get a DUI for driving while high?
Yes. Driving while impaired is illegal. It doesn’t matter what substance you are using. If you are not sure whether you are impaired, do not drive.

What about marijuana possession for teens and young adults under age 21?
It is illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to possess marijuana.

Can I grow my own product?
Adults age 21 and over can possess, grow, and give away as many as six marijuana plants. Only three of the plants can be mature and flowering at any one time.

Can I take marijuana out of the state?
No. It is illegal to leave Alaska with any marijuana products.